Area’s Largest Orangetheory Fitness Gym Opens in Alexandria
Orange Crushin’
By Carolanne Wilson
The Bradlee Shopping Center at King and Braddock in Alexandria is now home to the area’s largest Orangetheory Fitness location. After three months of construction, the boutique gym, located at 3624 King Street, celebrated its grand opening on February 28.
Filled with laughter, refreshments and sweat, the grand opening party included fellow Bradlee Shopping Center and area vendors. Zoes Kitchen catered the affair, while Massage Heights brought massage therapists in for post-workout rubdowns. During the classes, local disk jockey DJ Will’s performance added to the high-energy environment.
The space, that previously housed Wells Fargo, is 4,500 square-feet and is equipped with 13 stations, while most Orangetheory gyms have 12. Along with bathroom and shower stalls, this particular location includes a beauty bar outfitted with makeup lighting and mirrors. One of the biggest benefits to the super-sized facility— free parking.
Orangetheory’s workout is part science, part camaraderie. The goal of the hour long, total body workout is to tap into the “orange zone,” one of the five heart-rate zones tracked by a heart monitor in real time. When a client stays within the “orange” for 12 or more minutes it is proven that they will burn a higher rate of calories for the next 24-36 hours. Arlington resident Lyly C., who took part in the grand opening class, describes the work out best—”It’s a great work out….really exhausting!”
Though the results prove that it works, Director of Sales Robin Green credits the gym’s culture for why people keep coming back. Green, who lost significant weight as a client, says her passion for Orangetheory is the reason she became an employee three years ago. She says, “If you try two or three classes you will be drinking the kool-aid with me.”
The majority of the Bradlee team is made up of part-time coaches who understand the work it takes to balance everyday life with a regular fitness regime. Jillian Borsos, full-time teacher and client-turned-coach, fell in love with the product and support she received from the coaches when she herself was getting back into shape at the Lorton location. What inspires her to be a coach? Borsos says, “I want to be that (support) for other people.”
Orangetheory Bradlee is one of five locations in Alexandria. The first class is free for new members and local residents. The gym will host upcoming special events, including a rowing workshop on March 16. To learn more about the Orangetheory Fitness visit: https://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/
